u/Dbdubs

TIL about the tetrio sphinx that devours plumerias! Photo from the Uvita area of Costa Rica. At the start of the rainy season, these big bois chow down on up to three whole leaves a day. As much as I want to pick them off, it’s part of a beautiful cycle in the jungle and the moth is an important pollinator. Another cool fact - the caterpillars absorb the toxins from the plumeria they eat as a means of protection, but their main preditor (the smooth billed ani) just rips their guts out to avoid the toxic plant matter before eating them. 😳